Can I Recycle ... ?

CaptionFast-food cups

Justin Sullian / Getty Images

Cold drinks usually come in two types of cups at fast-food restaurants -- entirely plastic or paper coated with polyethylene. In Los Angeles, only cups that are 100% plastic can be recycled in the blue bin. Plastic-coated paper cups must go in the trash because they're considered a mixed...

Cold drinks usually come in two types of cups at fast-food restaurants -- entirely plastic or paper coated with polyethylene. In Los Angeles, only cups that are 100% plastic can be recycled in the blue bin. Plastic-coated paper cups must go in the trash because they're considered a mixed... (Justin Sullian / Getty Images)

The city of Los Angeles discourages the disposal of fireplace ash in the green bin for yard waste. Many residents burn wood that is chemically treated, or they burn commercially produced fire logs that may contain toxic additives and chemicals. The ash from such items contaminates the green...

The city of Los Angeles discourages the disposal of fireplace ash in the green bin for yard waste. Many residents burn wood that is chemically treated, or they burn commercially produced fire logs that may contain toxic additives and chemicals. The ash from such items contaminates the green... (Thinkstock / Getty Images)

Car seats can be recycled by Los Angeles residents in their blue bins. Although car seats are constructed from different types of materials, including plastic, metal, foam and fabric, and the city usually does not accept items made of mixed materials, car seats are 90% plastic by weight. That...

Car seats can be recycled by Los Angeles residents in their blue bins. Although car seats are constructed from different types of materials, including plastic, metal, foam and fabric, and the city usually does not accept items made of mixed materials, car seats are 90% plastic by weight. That... (Bruno Vincent / Getty Images)

Los Angeles residents can place CDs and DVDs in the blue recycling bin because they are made of polycarbonate, which the city says has value in the recycled-materials market. CD jewel cases and DVD movie cases also can be recycled in the blue bin as long as they are empty and the paper sleeves...

Los Angeles residents can place CDs and DVDs in the blue recycling bin because they are made of polycarbonate, which the city says has value in the recycled-materials market. CD jewel cases and DVD movie cases also can be recycled in the blue bin as long as they are empty and the paper sleeves... (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Disposable floor-cleaning sheets, such as the dry or damp clothes used for Swiffers, cannot be recycled in Los Angeles' blue bins. They are trash and should be placed in the black bin. The sheets are infused with cleaning chemicals, and the dirt, dust and other debris that they collect would...

Disposable floor-cleaning sheets, such as the dry or damp clothes used for Swiffers, cannot be recycled in Los Angeles' blue bins. They are trash and should be placed in the black bin. The sheets are infused with cleaning chemicals, and the dirt, dust and other debris that they collect would... (Los Angeles Times)

Each week we explain the recycling potential for an item that might be confusing. Because policies and recommendations can vary from city to city, each week we ask a sampling of officials from different municipalities to weigh in.